396 THE LIFE OF AN INSECT. 



The venom which produces the pain and inflam- 

 mation is contained in a small muscular bag in 

 connexion with the sting ; and when the latter is 

 thrust out, the poison is also forced out and flows 

 into the wound. The sting of the scorpion is a 

 less complicated, but more dangerous weapon, 

 though not often fatal. The earwig, though un- 

 provided with a sting, carries a most awful-looking 

 forceps in its tail, which it can put in action with 

 great force on occasion of danger ; and since it can 

 twist its abdomen about with great facility, it is 

 a contrivance of which a tender finger may well 

 be afraid. 



Among the wingless insects of Linnaeus, is one 

 which he has called by a name which signifies 

 that it has got a leg in its tail ; and this is ac- 

 tually the fact, in so far as that these insects 

 have an organ in their tail, which answers all the 

 purpose of a leg. Some of these little creatures, 

 which are black, may be often found in spring 

 strewed in infinite numbers upon the surface of 

 the water in ditches or pools ; and may be seen 

 jumping about on the surface of the water as if 

 bewitched. At their tail is a fork-like organ, 

 which is generally bent under the body; but 



